Heretics, Traitors or Martyrs?: Six Executions on 30th July 1540
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The 30th July 1540 six men were executed at Smithfield. In today’s video, we’re going to take a look at these men - their lives, the crimes they were convicted of, and the punishments they suffered. King Henry VIII frequently used scaffolds and gallows to make a point, and often to send a message of warning. I believe this to be particularly evident in the case of this six-way execution.
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Intro / Outro song: Silent Partner, "Greenery" [ • Greenery - Silent Part... ]
SFX from freesfx.co.uk/...
Linked videos and playlists:
Acts of Attainder: • Traitors Without a Tri...
Images (from Wikimedia Commons, unless otherwise stated):
16th century woodcut of the coronation of Henry VIII of England and Catherine of Aragon showing their heraldic badges, the Tudor rose and the pomegranate. From Stephen Hawes, A Joyfull Medytacvon to All Englande (1509), printed Wynkyn de Worde, 4to, n.d. (Cambridge University Library)
Portrait of Emperor Charles V with Dog by Jakob Seisenegger (1532). Held by the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
Portrait of Katherine of Aragon by an unknown artist (c.1520). By permission of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Church Commissioners; on loan to the National Portrait Gallery, London.
Thomas Abell carving in the Beauchamp Tower of the Tower of London (Beauchamp 66).
Detail from a miniature portrait of Mary Tudor, later Queen Mary I, attributed to Lucas Horenbout (or Hornebolte) (c.1525). Held by the National Portrait Gallery, London.
Portrait of Martin Luther by Lucas Cranach the Elder (1528). Held by the Coburg Fortress.
Robert Barnes before Cardinal Wolsey, 1870 illustration from History of the great reformation in Europe in the times of Luther and Calvin by Merle d'Aubigné and Jean Henri.
Portrait of Sir Thomas More by Hans Holbein the Younger (1532-1533). Held by The Frick Collection.
Near contemporary painting of Anne Boleyn by an unknown artist (c. 1550). Held at Hever Castle.
Portrait of Anna of Cleves by Hans Holbein the Younger (c.1539). Held by the Louvre Museum.
One of the final drafts of the Six articles, amended in King Henry VIII's own hand (1539). Scan from "David Starkey, Susan Doran: Henry VIII, Man and Monarch, exhibition catalogue, 2009
Portrait of Thomas Cromwell by Hans Holbein the Younger (1527). Held by The Frick Collection.
Robert Barnes, Thomas Garret, and William Jerome suffer martyrdom in Smithfield from John Foxe’s “Acts and Monuments” (16th century). Retrieved from the Atla Digital Library.
Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I by an unknown English artist (c.1600). Held by the National Portrait Gallery, London.
Bibliography:
Gibbs, Gary G. "Abell, Thomas (d. 1540), Roman Catholic priest and martyr." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. 23. Oxford University Press.
Shagan, Ethan H. "Fetherston, Richard (d. 1540), Roman Catholic ecclesiastic and martyr." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. 23. Oxford University Press.
Shagan, Ethan H. "Powell, Edward (c. 1478-1540), Roman Catholic priest and martyr." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. 03. Oxford University Press.
Trueman, Carl R. "Barnes, Robert (c. 1495-1540), religious reformer." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. 23. Oxford University Press.
John Foxe’s “Acts and Monuments” - THE HISTORY OF ROBERT BARNES, THOMAS GARRET, AND WILLIAM JEROME, DIVINES.
Wabuda, Susan. "Garrard, Thomas (1498-1540), clergyman and protestant reformer." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. 03. Oxford University Press.
Also consulted, were:
Other relevant entries from The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography Online.
#Tudor #History #ReadingThePast
This does indeed add a facet to our understanding of Henry VIII. Devout people, both Catholic and Protestant, would have been confused and terrified by these executions. Trying to decide what was acceptable belief would have been like threading a moving needle. Indeed, all those men can be seen as martyrs of some sort. Great vlog, Doc!
It was not that unclear. The safe course was to adopt Catholic beliefs, but acknowledge Henry as the Head of the Church of England and that his first marriage was invalid. For older English people they were brought up in Catholic beliefs - so they would have known about the seven sacraments, pilgrimages, works and so on. They could safely follow these practices as long as they recognised Henry as the Supreme Head. The dangerous course was to argue against these beliefs.
The 3 men who were executed as traitors either did not acknowledge Henry as Head of the C of E or worked against the annulment.
The 3 men who were executed as heretics preached against the traditional Catholic beliefs or circulated religious books that undermined traditional Catholic beliefs.
Amen.
30 July 1540: A day which will live in infamy. A busy workday at Smithfield to be sure.
I was so carried back in time to that era. You have such an elegant way of describing the events that put one as an observer. Thank you for doing so
My Friday just got so much better!
What a wonderful analysis of the function of these deaths. Had I been alive, I would have kept scratching my head and keeping quiet. I would have taken baby steps while trying to follow the path of an innocent citizen trying to keep my head. Ugh!!!
I always find it so bizarre when decisions made to uphold a religious point of view are in such stark contrast to what the religion is *supposed* to represent. I also find myself wondering about those tasked to carry out the executions. And were there other witnesses? Such horrific memories would not only have impacted the lives of those present, but would also have affected the families of all involved. Would there be anybody left that you could trust? It seems like one would constantly be second-guessing all life choices. Tragic on so many levels, imho. Thank you for another thoughtful and insightful presentation, Dr. Kat. 💖
I blame government. Like a hammer that sees everything as a nail, government sees everything as an opportunity for coercion.
There probably would have been a huge crowd to watch the executions, but like you I'm still wondering who would want to be an executioner; it's not just grisly work, it's also hard work physically and emotionally
@@joanhuffman2166 Not all governments are the same.Even Henry VIII was well respected and admired for the the first two decades, until his personality changed and he ditched his first wife and bergan to persucute his friends and courtiers.
Sarah, it probably due to poverty or a lineage as a family, they would already be seen as ‘untouchable’
Thank you History Hit for supporting our girl! We love her 💞
I wish you would have been my history teacher in school. I've always loved this era of history but I always learn something new, and you have a way of talking that makes it easy to understand as well as interesting.
That was very interesting. I had heard of these executions- 3 Catholics and 3 Protestants being executed at the same time and place, but I did not know who these men were and why each was executed.
I think one of them was Thomas Cromwell, former Chancellor of England under Henry VIII. 🙂
You are such a good teacher, Dr Kat! Love ❤️ your videos!
Am getting your notifications promptly AND grateful to see this subject come up. I must say that your facial expressions and especially your beautiful eyes tell us - in no uncertain terms - how you feel about the subject matter. This. Is. Wonderful. You're a Good Girl, Dr. Kat, and 'Doing the Right Thing ' is obviously important to you. Please tell your parents and grandparents that they did a good job rearing you. Gabriel is a smart lad in choosing his parents.
What a wonderful accounting of Henry's my-way-or-the-highway" philosophy. It seems that for him, there was no roomfor free thinking and forming one's own opinion. As you point out, "acceptable" was only to be defined by him. This was new info for me, and for me, really marks the transition from the Henry that was admired by his people, to Henry the tyrant.
I too would like to see a video on this as well.
I really appreciate your work here on YT, and look forward to your every post.
WOW. What dangerous games. Don't sway too far in either direction. I think the theme here is: If you are going to make waves, you are going to swing for it. What scary times.
So let me get this straight: you get executed for being Catholic…and you’re also executed because you eschew Catholic doctrine. Classic damned if you do, damned if you don’t scenario to me!
Henry was basically a murderous faith focused Goldilocks… too Catholic = 🪓… too Lutheran = 🔥
He demanded you be “just right”!
I really liked how you laid it out. I had looked into these before but you broke it down nicely.
More examples of what a complex and hardly decipherable time this was in history. Thanks Dr Kat.
I’m trying to finally finish my degree in history focusing on this period in time. I can hope to be as amazing as you!!! Your my hero!
Thanks Dr. Kat for yet another great video.
Grim, but fascinating. How easy it was to get on the wrong side of Henry VIII.
If you want to know more about what happened to Katherine of Aragon (and everyone around her) you might want to listen to "Sister Queens: The Noble, Tragic Lives of Katherine of Aragon and Juana, Queen of Castile" on Audible. Only 14 hrs and 52 mins long 😏.
I was a librarian and my colleague Carolyn and I, both medieval history geeks (specializing in the Tudor era) used to fantasize about time traveling back to that time. We decided, however, that if we'd been able to get back there, we'd have been burned at the stake right after arrival with our strange ways by the standards of the time...definitely heretics and/or traitors!
I think that whether one is a traitor or a heretic (and the lines of demarcation seem very thin) is like whether one is a terrorist or a revolutionary: in the eyes of the beholder, and in the eyes of those with the power at a time when such things matter!
It is interesting to reflect on how important religion was back then, and still is in some places, but now it is possible to want nothing to do with religion and stay alive.
Thanks again, Dr. Kat, for another great video!
I absolutely love your content and enjoy being taught by you! You’re brilliant at what you do 🧚🏼♀️📜
Thank for the fantastic vids. You hear the story but not often about the individuals their lives ect.
Just found your channel. Very much enjoying your presentations. Well done you.
There’s no wonder that few mourned Henry VIII’s passing.
It was a very uncertain time to live if you didn't 'go with the flow', conform and live your life as the King, the Church and the powers that be expected. One slight misdemeanor, one word out of place and you could find yourself in all manner of strife. Especially if you were at Court where all seeing and all hearing people could watch your every move. Scary!
I love these, thank you n advance 💜
Thanks for this video. I'd love to see a video about how Henry VIII constant changing of the religious rules in England affected regular people.
Thank you for your promo code to history hits. I can't wait to start listening and watching some great programming. I always enjoy your synopsis and cheerful disposition. Have a wonderful week!
The whole difficulty seems to have been that Henry really *was* a devout Catholic. He defended Catholicism against Martin Luther in a written pamphlet, for one thing. But he also wanted his own way. The reformers got their foot in the door not by actual appeal to values, or change, but by promising him what he wanted.
He didn't want a protestant church, he wanted a Catholic church... that he got to be pope of.
This is so intense
Fantastic 👏👍 thank you so much
Still caught up in my dysfunctional election system to listen 😖
Can you do something on how you guys went from monarchy to constitutional monarchy, and how parliament works? Like, Do you redraw districts to account for population shifts?
I feel so ignorant…
Don't feel ignorant. You are asking questions (and that is a very very good question you raised) and adressing them to a reliable, well informed source!
I remember hearing, I don't know where, that Henry's idea of reform was limited by the fact that he was very much a catholic at heart. He just wanted the church's power for himself. Those that didn't acnowledge his power needed to be gone, and so did those that wanted to change the religion as he aproved of. True protestant change happened under Edward, who was raised protestant and believed it needed true reform. This information is new to me, but I'm not surprised by it.
It does feel like no one was set to win with him and his next two children. Those that conformed to Henry's view were set to fail under Edward's more strict protestantism, and those that flourished under Edward perished under Mary's attempt to return to Rome. Elizabeth stating she didn't want a window into people's hearts must have been a relief to all
Bloody brilliant Dr. Kat
Could you do a video on the education of nobles and clergymen in Tudor times. The structure and function of the university.
To picture myself living at that time: my first thought was to participate in neither belief system, as that the tenants of neither faith serve as the pillars around which I personally build my moral and ethical belief system. But then I had to stop myself. Because at that time and in that world the Church was omnipresent. And it's so easy to forget that, looking back with a modern mind. It's hard for us to grasp the way in which the Church had so thoroughly integrated itself into every aspect of a person's life. One couldn't just walk away and not participate. There was no option to not engage, and so with that reminder to then think about another belief system drastically changing the the very nature of how that belief system was shaped becomes even more shocking... The Reformation must have been -- terrifying as much as it was liberating. I have extensively studied the Tudors. And the way in which the Reformation not just changed Western Europe but would in turn change the world. And yet here I am having something of an epiphany. So thank you Dr Kay. Thank you so sincerely.
have read foxx and knew about the catholic hangings never realised they were the same day. there is one heck of a lot of blood on henrys hands of people who were just trying to live thier faith as best they could
What I thinK? Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Thank you, I find this time period fascinating. This week marks the week Henry VIII has Abbot Whiting released to a kangaroo court in Wells to be hung drawn and quartered, on the Tor in Glastonbury his head to the gates of the destroyed abbey, his legs and arm north, south east and west of the Abbey's territory, Thomas Horner was a beneficiary of a manor and lands , some say synonymous of the Jack Horner nursery rhyme. All for Henry to reach supremacy of the church.
Henry broke with Rome over church governance: the monarch, not the Bishop of Rome, had supreme authority in religious matters. With the Six Articles, Henry reaffirmed much of traditional Catholic teaching. Having abolished the monasteries, Henry is peculiar in that his Articles affirmed the binding nature of vows of chastity (of monks and nuns?) along with clerical celibacy. Elizabeth really did try to establish a “middle way.”
Yikes !! Talk about being damned if you do damned if you don't. I am glad I did not live
then. Definitely a change from what I thought as a child.
Ooooooooohhhhhh yeah! Day off & cozy couch corner ready ! 11/11 countdown begins
How tragic. Six principled men of faith dying horribly for different reasons. People had to walk a fine line at Henry’s court.
If Henry viii had never divorced Katherine of Aragon, would Mary have come to the throne or is it more likely that Henry would have appointed someone else, presumably male? Have you already done a video on this? If not, I would love to see one.
I appreciate your clear explanations on these sad events. I would hope that I would have the courage to hold fast to my faith. Henry VIII is not one of my favourite sovereigns. He was so inconstant; life in his realm would have been so uncertain and stress-inducing.
Henry was quite Trumpian, the truth was always the last thing he said, no matter if he had previously said the exact opposite. Keep your head down and try not to be noticed was probably the safest way.
Great job in the new BBC Covent Garden doc Dr Kat 👏
Thank you 😊
love your videos
The days of conflict and turmoil that surrounded this time in history reminds me of what we are going through here in the US. Albeit not so much around actual religion but the religion of politics.
Totally agree. Just what I was thinking while watching this video. And there's still another person here in the 21st century who's condemning people who do not go 100 % with his opinion - not to instant death but to slowly die in prison. History repeating itself....
So I don't know for an absolute fact, because I don't have family records but from the research I have done my family came from England and I share the same last name. I have no idea how to validate if I would be related or not. A fun note to it is that Tomas and I share the same birth year just 500 years apart. I do think it's crazy that I am so interested in theology and arts, I also share the same stubbornness lol though I am in a very different time and I have chosen to question theology, that would have lead me to the same place if I was in his time.
What a cruel tyrant Henry was, he never felt sympathy, or even empathy, for anyone but himself. The law and religion were what the whims of this king dictated, depending on his personal feelings and desires of the moment. This kind of absolute monarchy still exists in Russia, China and North Korea, to name just a few. As a Hellene, I say down with all tyrants!
Religious figure should have no place in government, ever, either. Popes were always tyrants, sending in soldiers to attack, and excommunicating, poor peasants that couldn’t pay the fees they demanded for their personal luxuries, nepotism to enrich their illegitimate children, and the acquisition of personal wealth and worldly power. Shame on them!
I admire your knowledge and your ability to keep us all watching and listening to you, thank you ( but I think you have a very selective audience)😊
What makes you think that? I disagree.
I think we are a discerning audience with an enthusiasm for history. Do you agree ?
What do you mean by: Queen Elizabeth was keen about a middle way at the beginning of her reign, but not so much towards the end? GREAT VID!
Thank you for this question! You have inspired me to change my plan for this Friday’s video and talk about this instead - 4pm GMT this Friday (18th November) 🙌
It's half past midnight here and I'm off to bed. Maybe I'll have a nightmare about being one of Henry VIII's closest counselors and must trusted advisors, knowing that it's only a matter of time before he decides I'm a traitor and a heretic. Rather like the time I dreamt I was a low-level mafioso who'd eventually get whacked by his best friend. Good night!
In everey histirical period it's very hard to determinewere they heretics or martirs . Because the laws were proclaimed by the official church, and those who were against the officaial church , tasy could be defined as heretics . The example as it easily could be turn from prophet to heretic are often
All I can say, thank god I don't live in the Tudor period. It most have been very confusing and worrying that anything you did concerning mater's of Religion might be the death of you.
Is there a primary source for the “windows into men’s souls “ remark?
Alas, it’s oral tradition (thus potentially apocryphal) but it has been suggested that it may have originated out of “Observations on a Libel” by Francis Bacon. Others have linked it to a letter Walsingham wrote to the secretary of France. though. In both cases they are talking about her feelings/thoughts and there’s no known extant document that references her using the phrase.
@@ReadingthePast Thanks for the reply
Definately crazy times! I would have done anything to lay low until things settle. A bad time to draw attention. Although if I remember rightly Henry regrets executing Thomas Cromwell and calls him his most loyal servant.
What is that tune with which you begin all your videos? It sounds like an English folk song to me. What I know of English folk songs comes from my love of Vaughan Williams and Percy Grainger. So not an extensive knowledge, but enough.
I pray that I would have had the same fortitude of St. Thomas More: "I die the King's good servant, but God's first." Interesting video.
I think Cromwell would have gone to Smithfield with this group as well had his titles not been upheld by the crown. In that way, I think Cromwell's administrative brilliance somewhat saved him. He had a much less miserable death and his son inherited much of what he had set aside for him. A bit of context for the Six Articles: the literal Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer had a secret wife.
I don’t why but whenever you upload a video it says you have uploaded 2 !
I feel that Henry VIII wasn't really a believer in reform. He was a Catholic, and he used the reformers and the reform as a means to an end - annulling his marriage to Catherine of Aragon.
He does come across as being very 'my way or the highway', ruthless enough to use anything and everything available if it means getting what he wants and willing to discard and get rid of anything that doesn't fit his worldview. This middle way is strictly enforced by Henry VIII, but I think it leans more conservative than reformist. The three condemned as traitors are, essentially, condemned for being loyal to Catherine of Aragon rather than to the King.
I still believe Henry wasn't as tyrannical as most think. That man wanted what he wanted. However people would lie, cheat, steal, and just take advantage of their relationship with the king making him suspicious and paranoid... think what you want there are two sides........
I would be interested to know if there are extant records of the reactions of public figures on the continent to these executions. All of these men were highly educated people with fairly high status political positions. Can you comment on how typical it was in Europe for a monarch to execute so many of his advisors & diplomats? (and I include all the others besides these six). Based on my historical knowledge Henry seems to have been an outlier in this regard.
When you say "Louvain", do you mean Leuven? The oldest university of the Low Countries?
Yes, to my knowledge both spelling were (are?) appropriate.
Is Catherine’s head covering made of draped fabric or is it sewn into a hat of sorts?
The form of Tudor hoods is the focus of much debate amongst historians and reconstructors of clothing. We only have the portraits to go on. I think they show evidence of a structural, solid frame or base beneath the fabric; others have made strong arguments for a more drapey fabric situation… 🤷🏻♀️
Is the Monarch still the head of the Church of England?
Yes, but the title is now “Supreme Governor of the Church of England” rather than “Supreme Head”.
Dear Dr. Kat, is the invitation to telegram from you, or is that just an imposter?🤔🤔🤔
Thank you for letting me know to go looking. It’s not me. I’ve reported them and hidden them from posting on the channel!
I realise that I likely would have been a Catholic martyr because I am tenacious, prefer the 'bells and smells', and am stubborn. Also, the Queen of Scots would have been my first cousin zero times removed. Ay me! Not particularly self-preserving!
👍👍
Tyndale is still so important today although I fear that most people are biblically illiterate
I am SO GRUMPY about NEVER getting word of your latest postings, despite reassuring myself that I'd so specified. I joined the very last moments of this live chat...on one of my very favourite facets of English Early Modern History! GRRRR! Well...that was a tension-reliever...but it also certifies me as a raving nutter!
1,000 apologies. It's bad enough that our current President--who is more a nutter than I--has so destroyed our economy that BOTH my husband and I must work 2 full-time jobs. Missing this channel which is a GREAT comfort to me, IS THE OUTSIDE OF"ENOUGH"! Again...forgive the rant. I'm operating on 4 hrs sleep...and only 1 cup of coffee.
I have had that issue as well. Sometimes I get notification and other times I don't. Very frustrating.
@@Lufu2U Aha! A kindred soul.. at least as far as notices are concerned!
This sucks! It’s really annoying that the buttons seem to be so temperamental!
For the first time I’ve seen a link between Henry VIII and Trump. Scary.
Religion, politics and power. They played the game and went to heaven earlier than excepted?
❤🫅👑😊
It has changed view of Henry 8, he was a bigoted despot. I would have been burned a heretic
27:46 beautiful 💕
All I can say is thank goodness for atheism!
Atheists wield power just as cruelly when their power is absolute. Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot and Chairman Mao are responsible for the deaths of millions. Do not blame God when sinful humans blaspheme His name when the dress their lust for power in the cloak of religion.
@@cynthiayarger9757 Adolf Hitler anyway was A Roman Catholic, as is well known.
monotheism, and zealotry, particularly if politically motivated, and wielded by the state,
or an organ of the state with its tacit approval,
have been, and continue to be, the creators of more misery, destruction and death,
than any of humanity's devices.
Henry should have read the Bible. Then he would know that Christians that follow God, would not recognize Henry as above God. Prior Kings tried the same and did not fair well.
I think you are over-stating the case. Henry did not set himself up above God. He asserted his supremacy over the English church, cutting out the Pope (and the rest of the bishops, arch bishops, cardinals abbots and whatnots),between the King and God.
Henry was probably in the top 10 most devout kings alive at the time. He was very familiar with the Bible. It was the papacy he questioned.